Archives

Having spent a summer studying in Ireland many moons ago where I got a taste of authentic Irish hospitality and hearty traditional food, I wasn’t surprised to find that same level of warmth and delicious Irish fare flying Aer Lingus from Seattle to Dublin. As an Alaska Airlines Global Partner letting Mileage Plan members earn miles, Aer Lingus is an ideal choice when flying to Ireland. From the friendly and attentive cabin… Read More

Mention to most people that you’re traveling to Helsinki, Finland and you’re likely to receive one of three reactions: a blank stare, a confused “Where?” or a puzzled “Why Helsinki?” It’s true that Helsinki, and Finland in general, is relatively unknown compared to its Nordic neighbors. Mention Sweden to most people, and Swedish meatballs, Abba and Ikea immediately come to mind. Meanwhile, Norway evokes images of Vikings, Norse mythology and impressive fjords…. Read More

Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney is not a short distance, and normally when I complete this 15-hour journey I can’t wait to get off the plane. But not this time … This last flight, I was fortunate enough to be sitting business class with Qantas, an Alaska Airlines Global Partner. And I honestly didn’t want to get off that plane! In fact, I could have easily done another 15-hour journey back to Los Angeles… Read More

Archie the Jack Russell terrier greets wine tasters who visit winemaker Paul Bridgeman, right, and Levantine Hill Vineyard in Australia’s Yarra Valley. “Would you like some more wine, Mr. Anderson?” That’s a question I heard several times on my business class flight from Los Angeles to Sydney on Qantas, an Alaska Airlines Global Partner. (My first time flying business, actually, and hands down the best 15 hours I’ve ever spent on a plane!) “Yes, please”… Read More

My alarm clock started loudly chiming at 7 a.m. and I sprang out of bed with excitement. While I normally loathe the idea of waking up that early, the day I had been impatiently waiting for had finally arrived. Today … I’m finally exploring the idyllic Rottnest Island! Now if you’ve never heard of this place before — prepare to add it to your bucket list! I’ll never forget the first time… Read More

What’s on your “Australia bucket list”? Many people might include snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, seeing a koala or a kangaroo, and learning to surf in Sydney. While all of these experiences are indeed awesome, no Australia bucket list should be complete without driving the Great Ocean Road – one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives – along the south-eastern coastline of this undeniably beautiful country. The Great Ocean Road begins… Read More

Journalist and bestselling author Jo Piazza has long considered herself an independent feminist woman who didn’t need a man to complete her. She was pretty ambivalent about marriage until she met the greatest guy in the world on a boat in the Galapagos islands. They got engaged three months later. Piazza had no idea how to be a partner while also maintaining her independence. To try to figure it out she set… Read More